Kerala traditional story telling.

Day 19 (06/03) Alleppey to Kochi (Cochin)


Had a “Kindle-by-the-pool” morning and departed Alleppey around 11:00, arriving Kochi 13:30. Checked in and lunched then off on the merry-go-round that is the tourist trail. At first our guide seemed really good, explaining much of Kochi's pre-colonial history, and then the Portuguese and Dutch periods prior to the arrival of the British. This was all laid out in what is called The Dutch House, a palace originally built by the Portuguese for the Maharaja, as compensation for plundering his town and now a museum. It was altered by the Dutch and remained so under the Brit's rule so the name stuck.
Unfortunately, after a brief visit to the Synagogue, our guide started manipulating us to and through his pal's shops, and as usual we bought some stuff we didn't really need. After a while I told him NO MORE SHOPS, so he immediately steered us into another one. Tempers on the verge . . . .
After a brief freshen up we went to one of these dreaded tourist shows, one which turned out to be pretty genuine, and provided today's main photo.  The green faced guy eventually kills the "lady" by cutting off her breasts.  Shame.

I've included the road view to show the worst of the refuse situation here, although Kerala is generally fairly clean. I have to say I was delighted on Sunday morning when leaving Munnar, to see a hundred or so student volunteers clearing rubbish from the roadsides. The message from tourists must be getting through.
The fruit seller in included because of his peaceful visage, and the huge smile he gave me after I had snapped him.

Wandering day on our own tomorrow, then off to the station for 18:50 departure of the Nizamuddin Express. 6 bunk cabin overnight!!! I think, and hope we've got the lower tier.
No internet access until sometime on 8th.

Adios,
G